Biodiversity Policy Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review. UNEP works with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental sustainability and policy development.

Job Overview:
The Biodiversity Policy Specialist will be engaged by the Nature Frameworks Support Unit and will contribute to UNEP's work in supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) through the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded Biodiversity Enabling Activities: Global Biodiversity Framework - Early Action Support project (EAS) and the associated GEF 8 Umbrella Programme to Support NBSAP Update and 7th National Reports (NBSAP/7NR project). This consultancy will build on existing policy alignment work and relevant ongoing work streams of UNEP, supporting countries with effective Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approaches to advance policy coherence and alignment in updated NBSAPs and implementation processes. The Specialist will work on activities in the Francophone Africa region, focusing on evidence-based policy development, analysis, and advocacy to strengthen biodiversity conservation. The consultancy is expected to last for a period of 7 months, during which the Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Nature Frameworks Support Unit, coordinating with Programme Management Officers involved in the EAS and NBSAP Update and 7th National Reports projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support national and regional efforts to strengthen biodiversity conservation through evidence-based policy development, analysis, and advocacy.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) that incorporate policy coherence and alignment to facilitate the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) aligned NBSAPs.
• Engage with countries and stakeholders on biodiversity issues, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• Assist in the preparation of the 7th National Reports to the CBD, ensuring alignment with the KMGBF.
• Collaborate with UNEP and UNDP in joint implementation support for the projects, ensuring effective communication and coordination among partners.
• Analyze technical needs of participating countries to update their NBSAPs and provide necessary support for policy alignment and coherence.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of the projects, providing feedback and recommendations for improvement.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in environmental sciences, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law, natural resources management, or a related social science field is desirable. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in supporting the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at multiple levels (international, regional, and national) is required. Experience in country and stakeholder engagement on biodiversity issues, including supporting the development and implementation of national action plans on environment and biodiversity, is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, environmental law, natural resources management, or a related social science field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in supporting the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at various levels, including international, regional, and national. Candidates should have experience in engaging with countries and stakeholders on biodiversity issues, particularly in the development and implementation of national action plans related to environment and biodiversity.

Languages:
Fluency in French (written and oral) is required for this position. Knowledge of English is desirable, and knowledge of any other language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 7 months. The position is not associated with any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge a fee for applications, interviews, or training. The organization emphasizes that it does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.